Ciao for now! AC Milan hope they haven't seen the last of Chelsea-bound Carlo Ancelotti

Given how trigger-happy Chelsea have become when it comes to managers, AC Milan have already made a pitch to re-appoint Carlo Ancelotti.

Time to say goodbye: Carlo Ancelotti (left) and retiring Paolo Maldini go out on a high after Milian's defeat of Fiorentina on Sunday

The Italian left Milan after Sunday's season finale and is expected to be confirmed as the new Stamford Bridge boss this week, barring a last-minute intervention from Real Madrid.

But Rossoneri vice-president Adrano Galliani is already dreaming of a day when the 49-year-old is back on the San Siro bench.

'The years with Carlo Ancelotti have been fantastic, marvellous,' said Galliani. 'Eight trophies in eight years.

'Our friendship and his closeness to this club will continue. Let's hope that, in a few years' time, we can see him on our bench once again and maybe win more Champions Leagues with Carletto in charge.'

His c.v is undoubtedly impressive: winner of two Champions Leagues, two European Super Cups, the World Club Cup, the Serie A title, not to mention the near misses of that dramatic Champions League final defeat by Liverpool in 2005 and finishing runners-up in Serie A twice during three years in charge of Juventus.

Grand finale: Kaka (left) in action against Fiorentina

Milan and Italy full-back Gianluca Zambrotta, who also played under Ancelotti at Juventus, also gave him a glowing send-off.

'I would like to thank him for the beautiful years spent together at Juventus and for this season with Milan,' said the 32-year-old. 'He is an extraordinary person, he's won everything and I wish him all the best for the future.'

Leonardo will take over at the San Siro today. The 39-year-old played his last game as a professional footballer under Ancelotti six years ago and, as a member of the club's backroom staff since hanging up his boots, he will have learned a lot from his predecessor, who is expecting a seamless transition.

'This does not mean that a cycle is over,' said Ancelotti. 'As long as Berlusconi remains president of this club, the cycle will continue.'